Four for the Fourth.

"I am a full time nanny to 7 year old triplets (plus my daughter), mommy, wife, daughter, sister, aunt and like a lot of moms moonlight as a chef, cab driver, organizer, scrapbooker, crafter and photographer. I have always wanted to find a hobby but, unlike my husband who has no problem finding hobbies, I struggled to find something I enjoyed or had the time for. I realized about a year ago that I’d like to try and sell what I already love to do. In January a friend convinced me to try out a craft fair where I received some custom orders. Since that day I realized how much I really enjoy it, not just because it gives me the opportunity to be creative and be a part of an amazing community of talented women, but also the gratification I get from the positive feedback of those who have purchased and love my products. My daughter enters kindergarten this coming fall and I am looking forward to diving into my new found hobby and keeping myself artistically challenged while she’s in school. So here goes nothing. I am launching my ETSY shop and I couldn't think of a better way to get started. "

"It all started when I was a little girl… My love for fabrics and sewing came from my mom who used to hand make everything from cross-stitch pictures, to knitted blankets, to sweet frilly dresses for Christmas. She always had some sort of needle, thread or basket of fabric around for me to play with. From there, I started learning simple crafts to give as gifts when I was in high school…any excuse to pinch a penny! I always knew that a homemade gift was personal and hopefully a bit cherished by my loved one.

After years of sewing on my mom’s sewing machine, she finally bought me one for my 30th birthday a few years ago. Once I got it up and running, my fingers haven’t stopped! I began making baby onesies, bibs, and what-not, and have now added some gift ideas for the moms and women in our lives. I kid you not, every time I enter a fabric store, my heart starts beating really fast because I’m so excited to get to work!

So here we are today…my little business is small, but mighty (I like to say). I have been married for over 5 years to my sweet Dave (a high school teacher) and am a stay-at-home mom (like so many of you amazing mothers out there). My main job is raising and hangin’ with my little man, Simon. He’s 3 years old and a lil’ firecracker like his mama. But we are quite the team…he sits across from me with play dough in hand, or plays his drums while I have fabric sprawled across my living room floor. It works…we get to be together, so that’s all that matters.

The future?…I’ll probably ALWAYS be working with fabric like my mom. “It’s in the blood,” she says. The best part is that my mom is going to leave a legacy to us girls, and to all her grandchildren. She’s made hundreds of quilts for people…family, children, strangers, and even for the homeless in local shelters. I hope to leave the same for those I love. Thanks, mama!"

For the first time I am hosting a giveaway for one of my friends.

So fun!

Jeanne is amazing, sweet and so talented.

She has the biggest heart and is such an encourager.

In fact she invited me to participate in my first boutique that gave me the confidence to start my own Etsy shop.

One winner will get to choose their choice of apron from her shop.

Imagine how cute you will look while cooking.

Lastly, meet me.

(actually, giveaway number four rescheduled,

so I wanted to join in on the fun.)

One winner will be the new owner of this

Easier Than Amy Butler necklace that I made for yesterday's tutorial.

I was having so much fun I actually made two and want to share the love.

"I wrote a note to my love and on the way I dropped it..."into his lunch box this morning actually.Not the pick up the drycleaning and a quart of milk kind of note but the kind that makes him think about me all day :)

Love Jeanne's stuff! And I love that she calls her little boy Bubs and Bubsie because that is what we call our little "Bubs" and tomorrow is his 3rd birthday! :) I really like that Elmo shirt....and guess what???? his b-day part is Elmo! I also love her aprons and that red one with the pockets is my fav. I left her some blog love.

I wrote a letter to my cousin today! It has been months since I sent her a "note". I am so glad that you encouraged us to do so! I know that she will appreciate it and I actually had a lot of fun doing it!! I am going to write a few more notes and I am going to try to keep it up!! Thanks!!!

I have to say that Jeanne's blog had the cutest little boy t-shirts I have seen in a long time! I absolutely LOVE them!! I can't wait till payday so I can order one! I think it's great what you are doing and I appluade you for it!! You are a kind and sweet person!

Note: i made a card and wrote to a note to my dearest friend who has helped me through two of the most difficult weeks of my life. My husband died two weeks ago. Vicky has brought food,brought hugs and laughter, and brought love into my life and my house. so my note to her was i'm sure inadequate to even begin to tell her how much she has meant to me. thank you for the chance to win some blog candy.

Very cute items at Jeanne's blog. Onesies are cute but love the aprons. Oh, I really liked the flower on the t-shirts. Reminds me of your messy flower pins that I wear a.l.l. the time. I really need to order some different ones!

wow, i just found your site through a friend and read the whole thing. i have to say it's amazing. and i took you up on your challenge and i wrote a note (snail mail style) and am preparing to drop it in the mail box on my way out today. you've inspired me to start up blogging again and maybe add some new flair to it. thanks for the note inspiration though, it was fun!!!

I left a comment on Jean's shop/blog and left a comment on my favorite item: the Adult Reversible headband:http://bubsiesboutique.blogspot.com/2009/06/adult-headband-reversable-7.html?showComment=1246850762624#c3829707471864446969

Jeanne's t-shirt dresses are adorable! I've gone to your tutorial multiple times because I want to make one...I just haven't yet, but her's inspired me...maybe this week! ;) Hope you had a great 4th! Oh, and thanks for the heads up about the undershirts...absolutely brilliant!!!